United Arab Emirates stock markets were firm in early trade on Tuesday after oil prices and Asian bourses stabilised at least temporarily, encouraging UAE retail investors to buy back property shares in particular.

Dubai's index, which had tumbled over 8 per cent in the past two days, climbed 2.3 per cent in the opening minutes. Leading real estate developer Emaar Properties gained 2.1 per cent and Damac Properties rose 3.7 per cent.

Abu Dhabi's market edged up 0.1 per cent as Aldar Properties gained 0.9 per cent. Kuwait was 0.4 per cent higher, though Oman slipped 0.3 per cent.

Most fund managers are unwilling to say Gulf markets have bottomed, however, as long as oil prices haven't established a clear floor.  - Reuters